Happy Birthday Chris!!!

Hope today was a good one (well after the electricity came back on... it did didn't it?)  Have a great evening with hubby!!!

Touchmark Christmas 'do'

Well here we are at the end of another year at the studio.  Tomorrow we will meet up for a meal together, to say Happy Christmas and then we will have to wait for the new year for the studio to open again.  Chris is excited... her son will be home from Uni and she has missed him so.  Beverley is in the same position so we shall have two very happy ladies!!!  One of our group has been thwarted by illness this year so I am sure she will be happy to see the back of 2011.  As for me, well this year we shall have a child in the house for Christmas so I am excited about that!  All in all it has been a great year for learning, about all aspects of life but especially jewellery making.  I am not sure what 2012 will bring in the way of courses and classes but I do know it will be exciting and I for one can't wait for the opportunity to learn more.  I do know that during my time at the studio my life has been transformed.  I have made great friends and am at last spending my time on something constructive as well as something I really enjoy.  Thank you to everyone, especially Chris, love you all!  Maybe you could be joining us next year?  Why not join the mailing list so you can be kept informed of all the courses for 2012?  You can sign up here for a newsletter.  I look forward to meeting you next year!

Merry Christmas and a very Happy new Year to all!

Lynn x

Compton House Event

Well it's all over now and what a weekend! The craft fayre was set in the hotel. It is closed for the weekend and the rooms used to display local crafts. A truly beautiful backdrop to some fabulous work it was one of the best venues I have had the pleasure to exhibit in. On Thursday Chris, Beverley Anita and myself set it all up. We were in the sitting room along with two other local artists) Space was tight but we managed it and our jewellery looked spectacular (even if I do say so myself!) The hotel was open on Saturday and Sunday. For stewarding we had split the days into 2 sessions per day, Beverley and Anita did half day on Saturday and Chris took the whole day and Sunday it was Beverley and Kate in the morning with Sarah and myself in the afternoon. I really enjoyed Sunday afternoon with Sarah who always manages to make me laugh! I must say a big 'Thank You' to Chris's husband Brian and mine Terry who worked hard shunting the showcases in and out of the hotel for us... it was good of you both! Well... sales.... that's what it is all about isn't it? We did great with each of us selling things, fantastic! I know now what some ladies will find in their stockings on Christmas morning, lucky ladies! What next? I for one need to find some suitable venues for my things. I am sure the others would be glad of the same so if you know of any suitable venues please drop us a line. Sorry I didn't get any photos for you I forgot ...so I have included some photos from the Art Trail.  Not all that good, sorry, but I never have said I was a photographer!

COMPTON HOUSE AXBRIDGE - SHOPPING EVENT

THIS WEEKEND - 5/6TH NOVEMBER 2011 - COMPTON HOUSE EVENT

Nine jewellers, who regularly work in Touchmark Studios, are showcasing an amazing display of contemporary jewellery at the

COMPTON HOUSE AXBRIDGE - SHOPPING EVENT

Saturday 5th November

10am to 6 .30pm

Sunday 6th November

10am to 4.30pm

If you have always wanted to make your own jewellery, come along and have a look at the fabulous standard of work that YOU could achieve by training at Touchmark Studios and whilst you are there, pick up an original handmade piece of jewellery for that special Christmas gift

Also available:- Wood and Willow, Ironware, Vintage Accessories, Scarves and Silks, Pottery, Jewellery, Fragrances, Textiles, Prints, Charity Cards and more

Refreshments Available - Free Admission

Compton House at Townsend, Axbridge, Somerset BS26 2AJ

 Tel: 01934 733944

e - mail: info@comptonhse.com http

Good News!

Chris has decided to start blogging!  Time is valuable to us all but now that she has more time Chris wants to 'have a go' and I, for one, am delighted!!!  I am not sure exactly when the blogging via Chris will start but I do know a new computer was due to be delivered so with any luck we will see our Chris blogging very soon!  All I can say is it has been real nice 'chatting' to you and I hope to catch up with you sometime in the studio :D

Lynn x

It's Official!

Touchmark Studios is now an offical Diploma Support Centre for the Mid Cornwall School of Jewellery Silver Metal Clay Diploma Home Study Programme. To read more about this exciting development click here

_________________________________________________________

The 8 week traditional jewellery skills programme will be starting from September 10th and follows another successful course with some amazing work being produced from students with absolutely no experience of jewellery making. Please log your interest by emailing and check out some of our students' work by clicking here

_________________________________________________________

September 3rd and 4th is our 2 day course on Resins with Claire John. This will be a fab weekend where we will be learning how to make our own silicon molds for casting resin and producing amazing bangles click the link for more details and register now before it's too late!  Details are here

_________________________________________________________

Unfortunately, from September we will be putting our Introduction to Metal Clay course up to £85 (from £80). We have done our best to keep our prices the same but the cost of silver and knock on effect to metal clay prices has now made it unavoidable. The price of this course includes 16gms of PMC3 which currently retails at £45 (July 2011) so it is still excellent value for money.

_________________________________________________________

As well as every Wednesday, the studio will also be open on a Monday morning for those wishing to come and use the facilities in a supervised environment. So for those of you without a kiln and need a metal clay firing come along for a session. At £10 it is great value for a few hours of peace and quiet and full use of all our tools and equipment. Don't forget for those of you who have attended any of our courses we are always available for technical help and assistance on the links below - or just give us a call we are more than happy to talk to you.

INTENSIVE JEWELLERY SKILLS COURSE

STOP PRESS! ONE PLACE REMAINING ON THE SATURDAY INTENSIVE JEWELLERY COURSE (4 WEEKS) STARTING ON 10TH SEPTEMBER
TWO PLACES AVAILABLE ON THE MONDAY MORNING SESSION - INTENSIVE JEWELLERY COURSE (8 WEEKS) NOW STARTING ON 19TH SEPTEMBER (NEW START DATE)
Email Chris or Telephone to reserve a place
Course Details:
Starting in September, Touchmark Studios will be running the Traditional Jewellery Skills course on Saturdays and Monday mornings. More details of the programme can be found on the website.  Click link to go to the appropriate page
The cost is £200. This cost includes all materials plus a free half day studio session at the end of the course where you can come and use the studio to finish up any projects or start something new.
Examples of work by students who have attended previous courses and are now regularly making, selling and exhibiting jewellery can be seen here
Dates are as follows:-
Commencing - SATURDAY 10TH September, 2011
For those of you who work during the week or have a distance to travel, we appreciate that your Saturdays are precious. So, instead of running our jewellery skills course over 8 half days, we are running it over 4 full days. The content will be exactly the same, so come prepared for a fun filled intensive 4 days which will give you a great set of skills and techniques to start jewellery making! The day will run from 10am to 5pm with an hour’s lunch break. You will need to bring a packed lunch but that’s all because all materials are included in the cost, including silver and a semi precious stone to make a ring.
Week 1 - Saturday 10th September
Week 2 – Saturday 17th September
Week 3 – Saturday 24th September
Week 4 – Saturday 1st October

Commencing – MONDAY MORNINGS 12th September, 2011 - 10am – 1pm
For those who want to take a more leisurely pace, this Jewellery skills course will run as normal, over 8 half days on a Monday morning from 10am to 1pm.
Dates are as follows:
Week 1 - Monday 19th September
Week2 – Monday 26th September
Week3 – Monday 3rd October
Week4 – Monday 10th October
Week5 – Monday 17th October
Monday 24th October - No Class – Half Term
Week6 – Monday 31st October
Week 7 – Monday 7th November
Week 8 – Monday 14th November

If you would like to reserve a place Email Chris or Telephone. 
A £50 non-refundable deposit will be required to secure your place.

STOP PRESS!!!

DUE TO A CANCELLATION WE HAVE 1 SPACE AVAILABLE ON THIS COURSE

if you are interested please contact us 

2 day Resins course - £140 to include all materials - bring packed lunch

Saturday and Sunday 3rd and 4th September 2011 - 10am - 4pm

Click here to see full details and images.

We are delighted to welcome back to Touchmark Studios, Clare John, an experienced jeweller and tutor in Resins, sometimes known as cold enamels.  Clare teaches at a number of venues around the country, including the prestigious Birmingham School of Jewellery

This is a 2 day workshop which follows on from the workshop Clare gave last year.  It will give jewellery makers the opportunity to use resin in different ways. The two days will focus on making 3D jewellery like large beads and bangles in resin.  You will be shown how to make moulds from silicone and how to cast resin.  The resin comes in a wide range of colours and effects like transparent, sparkle and pearl and metallic effects.  There will also be time to discuss using resin with metal clay and traditional jewellery and we will practise finishing techniques, including how to add jump rings and bails to pendants and how to drill resin.

The resins you will be working with are odour free and therefore much safer to use than traditional resins.  There will be time to discuss using resin with metal clay and traditional jewellery. Finishing techniques and problem solving will also be covered.

If you would like to reserve a place on this course please email Chris Pate

Last studio session of the season

Well there we go... oh sorry Lynn here (should have said that first!)  Yesterday was our last studio session and we are now broken up for the summer hols....I hate them as much now as when my children were small, school was out and they had time to get bored!  Beverley wasn't in as she went off on hols in the afternoon (shame on you Bev but lovely party on Saturday thank you to both you and hubby)  There were only 4 of us,  Chris (of course!) me (of course) Irene and Sylvia and it was a super morning.  Some might say that as I have my own studio it isn't to much of a problem but for me it is.  I shall miss the camaraderie... oh well such is life... I shall await the return in September!  Mind you all are welcome to come 'play' in my studio to so I do hope to see my friends there during the hols... not quite like Chris's but fun all the same! 

We go back to a fantastic 2 day course with Claire John (an expert in Resins) and I am really looking forward to it!  I have already done a one day course with Claire and I can't wait for the next.  This time we will learn to cast with resins..  just check out this blog post from Chris, it says it all.  I am not sure if there are any spare places but if you contact Chris she will be able to advise you.  You can find contact details here.  I know you would find it a great couple of days and can't wait to see you there!!!

STOP PRESS - Casting Resins Course 2 PLACES LEFT

STOP PRESS - WE STILL HAVE 2 PLACES LEFT ON THIS COURSE PLEASE CONTACT US TO SECURE A PLACE

2 day Resins course - £140 to include materials
Saturday and Sunday 3rd and 4th September 2011 - 10am - 4pm
Click here to see full details and images. 

We are delighted to welcome back to Touchmark Studios, Clare John, an experienced jeweller and tutor in Resins, sometimes known as cold enamels.  Clare teaches at a number of venues around the country, including the prestigious Birmingham School of Jewellery
This is a 2 day workshop which follows on from the workshop Clare gave last year.  It will give jewellery makers the opportunity to use resin in different ways. The two days will focus on making 3D jewellery like large beads and bangles in resin.  You will be shown how to make moulds from silicone and how to cast resin.  The resin comes in a wide range of colours and effects like transparent, sparkle and pearl and metallic effects.  There will also be time to discuss using resin with metal clay and traditional jewellery and we will practise finishing techniques, including how to add jump rings and bails to pendants and how to drill resin.
The resins you will be working with are odour free and therefore much safer to use than traditional resins.  There will be time to discuss using resin with metal clay and traditional jewellery. Finishing techniques and problem solving will also be covered.
If you would like to reserve a place on this course please mail Chris Pate

INTENSIVE JEWELLERY SKILLS COURSE
Hi everyone,  starting in September, Touchmark Studios will be running  the Traditional Jewellery Skills course on Saturdays and Monday mornings.  More details of the programme can be found  here.  The cost is £200.  This cost includes all materials plus a free half day studio session at the end of the course where you can come and use the studio to finish up any projects or start something new.
Examples of work by students who have attended previous courses and are now regularly making, selling and exhibiting jewellery can be seen here  
Dates are as follows:-

Commencing - SATURDAY 10TH September,  2011
For those of you who work during the week or have a distance to travel, we appreciate that your Saturdays are precious.  So, instead of running our jewellery skills course over 8 half days, we are running it over 4 full days.  The content will be exactly the same, so come prepared for a fun filled intensive  4 days which will give you a great set of skills and techniques to start jewellery making!  The day will run from 10am to 5pm with an hour’s lunch break. All materials are included in the cost, including silver and a semi precious stone to make a ring.  All you need to bring is yourself and a packed lunch!

Week 1 - Saturday 10th September
Week 2 – Saturday 17th September
Week 3 – Saturday 24th September
Week 4 – Saturday 1st October

Commencing – MONDAY MORNINGS 12th September,  2011  - 10am – 1pm
For those who want to take a more leisurely pace, this Jewellery skills course will run as normal, over 8 half days on a Monday morning from 10am to 1pm.
Dates are as follows:
Week 1 - Monday 12th September
Week2 – Monday 19th September
Week3 – Monday 26th September
Week4 – Monday 3rd October
Week5 – Monday 10th October
Week6 – Monday 17th October
Monday  24th October - No Class – Half Term
Week 7 – Monday 31st October
Week 8 – Monday 7th November

Only 6 places are available on each course.  If you would like to reserve a place, please email us or call.  A £75 non-refundable deposit will be required to secure your place.

Week off....

Lynn here people, had to write something.  Chris was on hols last week (hope she has had a good time!)  so there was no studio and I can only say I am in mourning!  Goodness only knows how we will get on during the summer break... do you think that if I kidnap Chris she will keep the studio days going through the summer?  Worth a thought but if you have a better idea please do tell!  Personally, I have been working hard to get some things ready for my website.  I found a photographer very close to home and have booked him to take some photos for me to upload to my website which I am about to launch.  Photos of jewellery are very difficult to get right and they really need to be good for websites don't they?!  Anyway this guy is really reasonable so if we get on ok I will let you know how it goes.  I am hoping that some of you will send me something to put on the blog... I know Chris would appreciate it so much and to be honest so would I!  Come on people get those pieces coming in to us and if you can add photos so much better.  Don't forget that if you want to see a particular course at Touchmark Chris will investigate options for you and even better if you want one to one you can actually book Chris for that to!  Just think how good a Hen Party would be... making jewellery for the Wedding day!  The Bride can make her husband to be some cufflinks for example or pressies for Bridesmaids... and the others can make an exclusive piece to wear at the wedding!  How nice is that!

More piccies from the Colouring Techniques for Anodised Aluminium !!!

We had a little incident... not much really but it meant I didn't have these photos to put on from the Anodising Aluminium course so here you go... the first is our beloved Chris (what a woman!)  the second is Mandy Nash herself and the jewellery is Mandy's.  Feast your eyes on these!  (P.S.  the man is Ian... lovely bloke ;) )

Lynn x

Colouring Techniques for Anodised Aluminium with tutor Mandy Nash

Hello all!  Lynn here to tell you about our Aluminium day with Mandy.  I have been so looking forward to it I can tell you... all those fabulous colours and effects you can and quite cheaply to!  We were a class of 8, including Chris  and each eager for the experience.  Mandy is a real pro ... her art work is fabulous and of a really high standard which is great in a tutor I think and really inspiring, check out her website , you won't be disappointed!  We went through the basics, you know the kind of thing, what metal is the right one and what colours we could use and then were allowed to play.  I just love to play so I was in my element!  Did you realise you can use permanent markers to colour with?  I didn't before I went but you can and it works so very well which of course means that most of us could begin quite cheaply... I have lots of different colours in my studio and have now worked out what I want to make... and I can without having to buy lots of fancy and expensive equipment!  Setting the colours is a doddle to... but I will let you go to a course to find out more ;)  I know Many runs them from here studio but you can also do one at Touchmark... just sign up for our newsletter here and we can let you know when the next one is... I look forward to seeing you there!  Oh and I should add that this week I lost my new laptop and my camera to (well not lost they both died) so the photos were taken by Micke on her mobile phone... not bad photos Micke, thanks!

Casting Class

Lynn here, I wanted to tell you about the class we had on Wednesday.  This one was Casting and I was excited about having a go!  I have lots of pieces from my early days (and those that have gone wrong of course!) that are scrap so having a way of re-using the silver sounded fantastic.  Not only does it allow you to use up scraps but it also means you can make some beautifully complex shapes.  Wikipedia writes :

"Casting is a manufacturing process by which a liquid material is usually poured into a mold, which contains a hollow cavity of the desired shape, and then allowed to solidify. The solidified part is also known as a casting, which is ejected or broken out of the mold to complete the process. Casting materials are usually metals or various cold setting materials that cure after mixing two or more components together; examples are epoxy, concrete, plaster and clay. Casting is most often used for making complex shapes that would be otherwise difficult or uneconomical to make by other methods.
Casting is a 6000 year old process. The oldest surviving casting is a copper frog from 3200 BC."

I have always wanted to 'have a go' but hadn't until Wednesday.  Going to the studio allowed me to try under the watchful eye of Chris who is very safety conscious so I knew it would be the best and safest of environments to do it.  We all had a good time and are now able to take what we learned and use it in our own studios or, even better, in Chris's studio on open session.  Using the open studio is probably where most of us will have another go as we are able to use the equipment there, saves spending money on things you may only use occasionally or, even worse, only once!  Chris will be running the class again so sign up for the newsletter and you can be kept informed of the next and any other classes to be run in the studio.... the next one is 'Anodised Aluminium' on Saturday 5th June with Mandy Nash.... you can see some examples of her work here and I can tell you truthfully I can't wait!!! :D

Last Chance!

Today is your last chance to visit Chris at the Art Trail... I just know she would love to see you there! 

North Somerset Arts Week 2011 : 29 April - 8 May LAST 3 DAYS!!!

Wondering what to do this weekend?  Well you won't go wrong going to the North Somerset Art Trail!  I visited last week and really enjoyed it, so did my hubby (not an easy task I promise!) You have to visit Chris of course (see previous blog post for more info) and see the amazing new collection she has,  it's fabulous!!!  Also well worth visiting is the Walled Garden Cafe to, not far from Chris's venue and with really scrummy cakes to be had along with tea served in proper tea cups with a real sized pot to! 

View the North Somerset Arts Trail Newsletter for more information

Chris at North Somerset Arts Week 2011

Hello all... it's Lynn here!  I actually managed to get hubby out of the house this afternoon and we went along to see Chris at her venue.Hubby did turn left instead of right though and we almost went paddling in the sea at Weston Super Mare!  Anyway we did get back on track and arrived at Wrington.  I have to tell you that the art trail is badly signposted and it took us forever to find the venue so I will give you a bit of help and give you a map to get there.... you just have to go, Chris's jewellery is as always fabulous and she does have a new range on show, just dreamy!!!  It is great to see it on show properly to, I usually get to see it in the studio whilst Chris is working on it. 

At the venue (67) with Chris is Harriet St Leger, jeweller and enameller, Ann Dale, photographer and Willa Ashworth, decorative and functional metalwork.  Harriets work is totally different to Chris's so you should find a piece to suit all tastes there.  Photography is something I cannot do so I am in awe of those who can.  The metalwork... well that was worth checking out and I fell in love with quite a few pieces and could really 'see' them in our garden!  After we have finished viewing we went to the Walled Garden for tea and cake.  I can thoroughly recommend it there, super tea served in proper teacups and cake to die for.  Hubby and I shared two cakes, one was Guinness but tasted like a dark chocolate cake and the other... well I didn't write it down so have forgotten but it sounded like Chiang... perhaps you know and can pass it on to me please, I loved the cake and would like to make one myself.  All the cakes are gluten free to!    All in all a really nice afternoon :D

Here is a Venue Map to help you find your way to Long Lane and here is more information on the North Somerset Arts

Hi guys - Chris here!

If you can, come and see me over the weekend or next week - would love to see you. I will be in Wrington at Prestow Studios Venue 67, just down from the Walled Gardens who do wonderful lunches and cakes! I will be there everyday except Monday 2nd and Wednesday 4th May from 11 am to 6pm.

Find the website here
 
Hope you are enjoying the wedding! Have a good day

Chris

North Somerset Arts

Me again!  Well Lynn that is!!!  I just wanted to let you know that Chris is working really hard to get her own things together for the North Somerset Arts Trail.  I promise that a visit will be well worth it as Chris does such beautiful work.. she is a real inspiration!!! I still have to work out what she is making, although if what I have 'sneeked' a peek at in the studio is anything to go by it is, as always, truly inspiring and I wish I could have some!!!  Take a look, I know Chris would love to see you.... maybe you can tell her I sent you! ;) here is link to guide you to Chris North Somerset Arts

STUDIO - EASTER CLOSURE‏

Hi everyone, just to let you know the dates the studio will be closed over Easter:-


Monday 18th April (am) - Studio open

Wednesday 20th April - Studio closed

Monday 25th - (Easter Monday) - Studio closed

Wednesday 27th April - Studio closed

Monday 2nd May - Studio closed (Bank holiday)

Wednesday 4th May onwards - studio open



Best Wishes Chris

New Courses

Hi Everyone, we have some great courses lined up for you over the next few months with expert tutors in their fields and we are now taking bookings for:
ENAMELLING WITH TAMIZAN SAVILL - 2 DAYS SATURDAY/SUNDAY 14TH & 15TH MAY, 2011
Day one  - For those of you who are new to enamelling this will be an excellent introduction  - £80 to include materials click here for more details

Day two -   For those who have done Day 1 or have some knowledge of enamelling this covers more intermediate techniques like cloisonne and wet packing enamels - £80 to include materials click here for more details.   YOU CAN  BOOK BOTH DAYS FOR £150

COLOURING TECHNIQUES FOR ANODISED ALUMINIUM - Mandy Nash -  SATURDAY  4th JUNE, 2011 -  £55  (includes materials)
With the price of silver soaring perhaps now is the time to investigate more cost effective materials to work with.  Come and have a fun day with Mandy Nash.  She will show you how to  colour the pre-anodised aluminium and  then cut and shape it to create a piece of beautiful jewellery.  Click here for more details
  
CREATING 3 D FORMS WITH RESINS - Clare Johns - SATURDAY/SUNDAY 3RD AND 4TH SEPTEMBER, 2011 - £140 to include materials
For those of you who came to the 2 day resins course at Touchmark last year and loved working with resins this is another 2 day course which will focus on casting resins and mould making.  For those new to resins it will also be a fabulous introduction to working with this amazing medium.  Check it out here 

To book a place of any of the above courses please email

Hope to see you soon.
Best wishes

Chris Pate

Ellie's Earrings

Thanks for posting the picture Lyn.  The earrings were made by Ellie Mills, a student studying Architecture at Cardiff.  If these earrings are anything to go by her buildings will be stunning!!!  Go get that degree Ellie!

Chris Pate

Just had to show you this...

because I think it is fantastic work. 

These earrings were made at the last PMC course by a beginner.  The creator certainly has an eye for design and style, I think the world should see them!  Well done to the person who made them, can't wait to see what else you make as you develop!  I really did enjoy my PMC course (and the lunch provided... homemade bread and all, yum yum!)  I can only say my work wasn't like that in the beginning... not sure it is now! ;)

The Big Secret!

Chris has been busy over the past few weeks keeping a big secret!

She has been part of a team of testers working on and testing a new version of metal clay - Sterling Silver!!! Lisa Cain of the Mid Cornwall School of Jewellery and her people have been experimenting mixing different brands of clay to produce a sterling 925 version that can be assayed by the Hallmarking Office and also stand up to the more delicate designs that have previously been too fragile to produce in the existing fine silver clays and Chris was asked as a UK artist to test the clays and produce some pieces that would push it to it's limits.

No more details can be given at the moment but the results are going to be published in Metal Clay Magazine in a 9 page feature which will include recipes, tester's results and images of work produced in the new clay..... This is the first magazine dedicated solely to metal clay and to be in the first edition to be readily available in the UK (through WHS) is a real coup! Check out the blogspot http://metalclaymag.blogspot.com/ and keep your eye on Touchmark's blog too. Just as soon as we get the green light more details and images will be posted.
 

I have a secret!

But I am not allowed to tell at the moment... it is killing me!  I can only say it is wonderful, exciting and oh so very fantastic!!!  You just have to keep looking back and I shall reveal all asap!!! (wow it's a real dandy to!!!)

Guess who!?

Yes, Lynn here again... Chris is really to busy at the mo so it has been decided that I will post on her behalf for a while, not sure if that makes you lucky or not but you can decide that for yourself! ;).  Anyway I digress.  I have acquired some photos of the last Traditional Jewellery Skills Workshop. I would have posted them sooner but we obviously had to get permission to show them.  The ring was made by my friend Micke who had no previous experience with sheet metals.  Micke started with PMC (as do most people) and I pursuaded her to book the Traditional course at the same time.  Needless to say she loved both!!!

Unfortunately for us Micke took the photos and therefore isn't in any of her so I can't point her out.  I have also met Ian on several workshops (he's really nice to), sadly I have yet to meet any of the others but will say hi to them here!

I did my course a year ago and really enjoyed it.  It was at a time in my life when I needed to do something and I am so glad I found Chris and the others.  You can attend the studios for Studio Days .  The website says on Wednesday afternoons but it is also open on Monday, Wednesday and Saturday mornings these days.  Chris is around for advice (and is very generous with her knowledge) and you get to work with like minded people.  I attend on Wednesday mornings (which sometimes flows into the afternoon if I have something on that I need help with)  I honestly couldn't live without those mornings now... I have made some really great friends and it has become more social than anything (mind you if you do come Wednesday morning you have to accept that one of the girls is terrified and I mean really terrified of spiders so we have to check the place out for her... oh well it passes the time!) 

I have to tell you that there is something exciting coming up... REAL exciting.  Can't tell you this time but do check back....

I am just waiting for permission to tell you! :D (oh I do hate secrets!!!) 

Till next time :D

Hello again, it’s me Lynn. Chris is just so busy I decided to post about our Forming Metals Workshop and show you some photos (taken by Micke on her phone, thanks Micke!) We had a wonderful time and learnt loads, I confess I had a fantastic time and could have spent the whole day there. It is a great thing to do if you are stressed out (or need to get rid of a bit of aggression). We studied T-folds, Anticlastic/Synclastic Raising, Fold ‘Forming and how to make hollow forms. I went to the open studio session yesterday with some more copper to have a go at a method I hadn’t had time to try in the workshop and found that each of us had had the same idea… everyone was ‘forming’ yesterday, lots of banging with the hammer going on; quite noisy I can tell you! Being at the studio also gave me the opportunity to get further advice from Chris, can’t be bad! The workshop was well worth the time and very low cost, it gets you thinking and extends your knowledge base giving you a much wider spectrum to work with. Our next workshop is Tube setting and collett forming for stones and application of gold foil to silver (Keumboo) Really can’t wait for that one, saw the stones yesterday and they are so very pretty! I should point out that because of Chris being ill the workshop schedule has changed slightly and I am sure the new one will be posted asap. If you are really eager to participate you can always contact Chris who will be happy to help and is always available to advise. The photos will give you an idea of the type of processes we tried. We started with a piece of sheet copper and as you can see did actually manage to form! I ask you to remember that the workshop had lots crammed into it… just to get ideas and the feel of different ways of working with metal so not enough time to produce fabulous pieces… but from what I saw yesterday they are well on their way!

Featured Artist in the Metal Clay Academy Newsletter!

WooooooooooHooooooooooooooo!  Chris is the featured artist in the Metal Clay Academy newsletter!!!!!!!!!!!!  Well I should say hi first (seeing as I have hijacked the blog)  I am Lynn, one of Chris's students, friend and fellow artist (well that's what Chris says... I think it would be more truthful to say I aspire to be like Chris)  Anyway I wanted you all to share in the wonderful news!  We all know Chris produces some wonderful work and it is fabulous to see that others feel the same.  It is quite an accolade (and proof positive that Chris is a true artist) that the Metal Clay Academy like her work enough to feature Chris and her work in their newsletter.  As Chris is too shy to blow her own trumpet I thought I would do it for her... someone has to!  I have enclosed the section which features Chris for you to see but have also included the link to the Metal Clay Academy and to the online version of the newsletter. 

Featured Metal Clay Artist
Chris Pate

 

Chris Pate has been working with metal clay since 2002, when she discovered it whilst in the middle of a four year metalworking course at Bristol College of Art. Up until that point she had found it challenging  to bring her organic designs to life with traditional metal smith techniques and

so PMC presented a whole host of new possibilities that were very exciting.

Since completing her metal smith training, Chris has taught metal clay alongside traditional jewellery making methods at her studio in Somerset; a job which she loves and feels very privileged to do, since it allows her to encourage others to find that sometimes 'lost art' of being creative.

Chris Pate. Masters Registery Entry

Very recently Chris has gained her level one in the Metal Clay Masters Registry, an international achievement of which she is rightly proud. Up until that point, she had been working predominantly with silver, occasionally adding gold for colour and interest, but she tells us that the Masters Registry tasks have challenged her to use different metal clays and processes that she would not ordinarily work with.

Master's Registry Syringe Project.

When asked about her style, Chris says that this was something that gave her considerable angst at the start of her jewellery making career, since she felt that she didn't have a particular look.  However, as time passed and she started to understand what she liked and didn't like and how this influenced her designs, her style evolved naturally without too much effort. She describes her style now as elegant and classic saying that she never designs anything that she would not be comfortable wearing herself, a rule of thumb which she applies to all her work including commissions. She firmly believes that if you are true to yourself, your designs will come easily and you will enjoy the process far more than if you undertake to make pieces that don't fit your style.  

Masters Registry Syringe Project

However, that doesn't mean that Chris doesn't enjoy a challenge; participating in the Masters Registry and taking part in exhibitions stretches her technically and creatively and allows her the freedom to experiment without any commercial constraints. 

Experimentation she states,  is something that is crucial for an artist as well as being able to produce commercially viable work.

Chris has a wonderful purpose built studio which is only just across the road from her home and which makes her situation almost ideal. Her studio has evolved over the years and now has two floors, the downstairs area is a metal working studio with six jewellers' benches and the upstairs is a metal clay area with six workstations.  

Even though she lives just across the road from this perfect setup, she admits this can be a disadvantage and on non-teaching days she sometimes finds it a challenge to get to her workplace and start the creative process. When this happens she tells us that she reminds herself of a quote on her wall by Chuck Close which essentially says 'Get to work and ideas and inspiration will come out of that process!'. Chris says that this invariably gets her moving and once there, she finds it easy to get started and immersed in her work.

Her main challenge when working is not to over complicate a design. Chris admits that sometimes when she knows how she wants a piece to look it can technically become so difficult that the essence of the piece can be lost. That said, she loves the 'problem solving' aspect of jewellery making and happily divulges that she keeps a notebook by the side of her bed, because solutions generally come to her in the middle of the night! Getting stuck for ideas however, is not a problem she faces often, if ever. More often than not, it's getting the time to develop the ideas that frustrates her.

Chris's all-time favourite piece is something that was made after a difficult personal loss. Her beloved stepfather died after a long illness and Chris felt the urge to create something to commemorate the man whom she loved and respected so dearly. The result was a piece called 'The Tree of Life'; a brooch with its own stand, made from silver wire, gold and silver clay and sapphire drops. She says that this piece represented the gift of life her stepfather gave to others through his immense fundraising efforts.

Chris's Favourite Piece.

Chris's studio is always busy with a regular stream of students and like minded artists who use the space and she considers herself to be very lucky working in such a creative and positive environment. Whilst teaching takes up a considerable part of the week she also believes that it is important for any teacher to continue to design and make and she regularly exhibits and sells her work in shops and galleries. 

She loves the enthusiasm and camaraderie of the metal clay community and this and the dynamic advances in the field will ensure that metal clay will continue to play a major role in her studio and her jewellery making.

You can see more of Chris's work at her website and if you are in the Somerset area and interested in attending one her workshops, click here for more information.

Metal Clay Academy Newsletter

Metal Clay Academy


I have included a picture of Chris's Bronze and Silver Sun box which didn't copy with the other part of the newsletter.  I have seen this in real life and it is stunning!

Courses Planned for 2011

We are excited to be able to offer courses at our studios using different techniques and mediums.  Each of the tutors is top of the field in their subject and past students have enjoyed the experience and been able to incorporate their new found knowledge into their work.  More details of these courses will be published shortly - if you are interested, please register your interest now as places will be limited.

Resins with Clare John :  Sat/Sun 9th July (for beginners and next level students)

Working with and colouring Annodised Aluminium - with Mandy Nash : Saturday 4th June

Enamelling with Tamizan Saville - Dates to be confirmed

8 Week metal clay course (half a day per week) - Start date to be confirmed

Advanced Techniques Workshops

We will be running a series of 'advanced techniques' workshops over the next few months.  These will take place on Wednesdays in place of the usual studio sessions.  Can you please let me know whether you are interested in attending and if so which workshops. The cost of each half day workshop will be £25 to include the cost of copper and some consumables. For those who do not wish to come to any of the sessions you may want to come to the open studio session on a Monday morning from 10.00 to 1pm on the dates when these workshops are running.
The programme is as follows:-

Wednesday 2nd February      -   *Forming metals:  anticlastic raising and synclastic forming, fold forming, hydraulic press forming

Wednesday 2nd March          -   Texturing metals:  Etching (salt water etching) and other processes

Wednesday 6th April            -   **Tube setting and collett forming for stones and application of gold foil to silver (Keumboo)

Wednesday 18th May           -  *** Melting and Casting silver (sand and cuttlefish casting)

Please Note:
* students will need to bring their own jeweller's hammer

**students will need to bring a round facetted stone to set and the appropriate size setting bur and silver tube - details will be given nearer the course date
24ct gold foil may be purchased if required (please note that guilding foil, used for picture frames, etc. is NOT suitable).

*** Bring scrap silver (unsoldered)

8 week traditional jewellery course

First class was yesterday and the group is lovely!  I am going to enjoy working with these guys they will be great fun.

Next week we are starting on sawing and piercing so everyone has gone off with homework this week - to come up with a design - get ready for lots of !!$%$($£ next week as the saw blades start breaking.......... 

Well despite burst pipes in the studio when it got to minus 16 over Christmas and the New Year we opened on schedule last week and I was glad to see all my lovely ladies back again full of enthusiasm and great ideas for making.  It was soooo nice to be back in the studio again and it was so neat and tidy too - having spent 8 hours clearing it up from the burst pipes!  Not too much damage though as we had realised that they had frozen and it was a 'controlled' thaw.  Just a bit costly as we had to re-plumb certain areas and at the moment the water heaters are out of action.

This Saturday 15th January,  is the first of our 2011 courses.  The 8 week jewellery skills course where I teach all the basic skills needed to start making - for those who haven't heard of this course check it out on the website  http://www.touchmark.co.uk/page13.htm  Unfortunately for some, the course filled really quickly but don't worry if you couldn't get a place I will be running another in the spring -  so watch this space or sign up on the mailing list on the website  http://www.touchmark.co.uk/page7.htm

Other half day jewellery courses coming up are:  metal forming with the hydraulic press, anticlastic raising, fold forming, stone setting, salt water etching and casting!  and as well as the regular visiting tutors, Tam Savill and Clare Johns who teach Enamelling and Resins  I am hoping to have a new tutor for anodising aluminium.
Other plans for 2011 include an 8 week metal clay course which will be half a day per week where we will be exploring all sorts of wonderful techniques so it's going to be a busy and exciting year.

Today, the electrician has been in the studio putting in more lights and sockets which has made a great difference - and he has also put an external light up outside so no more groping your way along the driveway back to your cars!

Courses

Our courses are relaxed and sociable.  We cover basic techniques for the beginner and advanced work for the more confident, in a professional and safe environment.  We believe the best way to learn is by hands on experience and we reinforce this with demonstrations and comprehensive notes. Our post course help line provides technical backup and for those of you who decide to work from home, we have regular drop-in studio sessions. Our studios are fully equipped, light and airy with room for six people.

We are situated in the heart of the Chew Valley within easy access from Bristol and Bath. Why not spend a peaceful day, surrounded by wonderful countryside, with no interruptions apart from a home-cooked lunch!   What could be a better introduction to the world of creativity -   It starts with you!